what are three conditions that contribute to democratic progress in a nation

…since the inception of the PREMIUM TIMES news media in 2011, simply a few of the journalism outfits in the Nigerian space have distinguished themselves comparably as news reporting agencies that embody the aspirations of the founding fathers of this noblest of professions. PREMIUM TIMES, as it is astutely dubbed, has placed much premium on delivering to the public information that is a true reflection of the Nigerian status…

Dapo Olorunyomi
Ọkùnrin wà
Ọkùnrin wò
Ọkùnrin wà wà wò wò

Musikilu Mojeed
Akọni ńlá
Ọkùnrin ogun

Nicholas Ibekwe
Chukwu ńlá bí Ìrókò

I woke up that very morn still brooding on the tragedy that occurred in my country, Nigeria. I was reflecting in my usual way on the mountainous problems battling Nigeria when the October 20 incident gave me more bitter pills, the gustation of which my esophagus refused to relieve me. Days after, with lack of energy, I picked up my handset, skimmed through notifications until I saw one, an investigation into the Lekki Tollgate incident. I had always loved and followed PREMIUM TIMES' reporting, and given that they were the publishing investigator, I braced myself for a good read. Lo and behold! I was not disappointed. At least, non at them. But I was fuming at the Nigerian state, for the many lies and denials. Yet, PREMIUM TIMES' daring venture to expose the devil in these lies appeals to my own investigative spirit, and interviews with people. This is offered as a pre-interview slice, till when the voices of Dapo Olorunyomi and his dedicated colleagues will exist fabricated available to you. This preliminary work is long due.

Nigeria and the print media have both come a long way and undergone several transformations since November 23, 1859, when the first newspaper publication in the state, i.e. the tabloid, Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba, was published in Abeokuta. Over the next 161 years, Nigeria accomplished its independence, fought a three-yr ceremonious war, suffered through a serial of armed forces dictatorships, and witnessed a return to democracy that has non been without its peculiar upheavals. And during all these phases of its evolution, the print media — which itself has evolved from a sectional to national and global coverage — has always been present to tape, report, and sometimes lead these modify processes.

In the gilded days of nationalism, journalism (the print media) provided the platform for national figures, especially the likes of Herbert Macauley, Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe (the West African Pilot), and Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo (the Tribune), who relied on its broad reach and influence to pursue nationalism and agitate for cocky-government in the struggle for the emancipation of Africa and Nigeria, peculiarly from the shackles of colonialism. They were the voices of the people, actively engaging colonial governments and exposing the evil of colonialism. Their importance transcended the colonial struggle; they were besides very loud and clear in opposing the muted transfer of some African states to Frg for appeasement. Indeed, these newspapers, similar some others, were the much-needed consciousness of the people.

Following the struggle to reach independence, which was successful, the newspapers were crucial in politically educating the masses. In the successive periods of military interjections into the nation's democratic experiment, the press' sword switched focus — there was a need to return to an equitable system of government, where the rights and wishes of the "majority" were upheld. In response, the press was faced with censorship, oppression, target strikes and assassination. Amidst these nighttime times in Nigerian history, the press (albeit, a very few of them) continued to speak up against the tyranny, dictatorship, and corruption of human rights, equally they chosen for a return to democratic practices.

Even with the attainment of democracy, the press (unfortunately some more than others) did non relent and continued to withstand pressures from hegemonic forces, going ahead to provide the masses with enlightening reports of events as they unfolded in the polity. Hence, the history of journalism (impress media) in Nigeria tin can exist described every bit one of longstanding commitment, resilience, and personal sacrifices, symbolised by individuals like the belatedly Dele Giwa, whose belief in a gratuitous, fair, and merely country was unwavering till his assassination past a letter of the alphabet bomb.

Idiomatically conferred with the championship of "The 4th Estate of the Realm" for the social influence it wields, its capacity for advocacy, and for moulding public perception and stance, journalism constitutes investigating, gathering, and publishing unbiased, verifiable information, which is based on available evidence and provable facts. This noble profession, journalism, has besides been rightly alluded to as "the heartbeat of commonwealth," anchored as it were on liberty, a core value of political theory. It has grown to embody the expression of such rights and liberties — liberty of speech communication, expression, congregation, and fraternisation — provided nether it.

Equally the "conscience of the nation," this Abuja-based paper, which is bachelor only online, has over the years kept to its pledge to "help strengthen Nigeria's commonwealth, advance the socio-economical wellbeing and rights of the people, promote and enrich their cultural practices, and abet for best practices, good governance, transparency, and human rights, in line with the values expected of a modern democratic state."

The press is the elixir that sustains democracy. As a "force for progressive social modify," it represents an intangible link between the leadership and the led (masses), facilitating a constant exchange of information — both as a source and as a means of dissemination — that engenders a sense of transparency, as well as feelings of belonging and of being carried forth. In keeping the masses abreast of social developments, the printing aids pop participation in and fulfillment of public (democratic) obligations. As the ever-nowadays gaze of posterity, not only does it serve as a full general check on the diverse branches of government, merely it is also the mirror upon which lodge appraises itself. It is an excellent gauge of the pulse of the polity.

There is no doubtfulness that a profession with such monumental responsibility in maintaining political social club has to operate with the highest standards, based on well-grounded journalistic ethics of five cadre principles: "truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity, and accountability." And since the inception of the PREMIUM TIMES news media in 2011, only a few of the journalism outfits in the Nigerian space have distinguished themselves comparably as news reporting agencies that embody the aspirations of the founding fathers of this noblest of professions. PREMIUM TIMES as information technology is astutely dubbed, has placed much premium on delivering to the public data that is a true reflection of the Nigerian condition, and it also has managed to practise and then in a timely and attainable fashion.

As the "conscience of the nation," this Abuja-based paper, which is available only online, has over the years kept to its pledge to "aid strengthen Nigeria'due south democracy, advance the socio-economic wellbeing and rights of the people, promote and enrich their cultural practices, and advocate for all-time practices, proficient governance, transparency, and human rights, in line with the values expected of a modern democratic state." It has provided an avenue for concerned voices from within and outside the shores of Nigeria to contribute to improving our autonomous practices and processes by making observations and recommendations where necessary.

From an array of experienced and outstanding multiple-honor-winning officials, which include but are not limited to: the chairman, Nasiru Abubakar Abdullahi; publisher/chief executive officer, Dapo Olorunyomi; editor-in-chief/main operating officer, Musikilu Mojeed; and managing editor, Idris Akinbajo, the paper has been able to deliver trendy information on a wide diversity of topics from different aspects of the Nigerian gild, as well as from abroad, in Africa, and around the globe. It covers political events, sports, health, business organization, agriculture, and arts, and it operates an "opinion" platform, famous for its feature of globally recognised voices.

The "stance" department of the paper is incredibly impactful, as it presents the commentary of highly regarded people of excellence in their given fields of attempt. Hither, featured personalities apply their expertise in addressing a range of social problems in publications that serve to keep the reader informed, all while promoting letters of hope and aspiration for the marginalised. Thus, in that location are articles on a broad range of topics, either of national, continental, and/or global consequences. The medium has by and large availed itself as a conduit for expressing Africa's message of peace, unity, and development, in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Perhaps, the most intriguing attribute of PREMIUM TIMES' journalism is their knack for investigative reporting. I have been able to follow-up on going-ons in the "hollowed chamber" of the Nigerian National Associates with a click on the PREMIUM TIMES website. Indeed, the outstanding media volition have my endorsement if it prides itself equally Nigeria'southward number one platform for investigative reporting. This is particularly the case with its commitment to the exposure of salient truth virtually events evident in its establishment of Dubawa — a factchecking platform to combat the spread of faux news at a time it became a cheap commodity in Nigeria — through the Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ).

This is, therefore, a short appreciation note in recognition of the enormous task the Premium Times has taken up and handled with inspiring professionalism and dogged commitment. It is our way of saying we understand what it means to stand every bit the nation'south censor in an era when information technology appears to have been sold in exchange for personal riches, vendettas, and aggrandisement.

Via the above-mentioned platforms, PREMIUM TIMES has consistently delivered timely reports on an extensive range of problems: human rights, civil unrest, labour deportment, economical developments, insurgency, governance practices, and entertainment. Its investigative and counterbalanced journalism way has always made it a betoken of call for whatever who seek a more rounded account of developments, drawn from the statements of the parties involved. Yous can't get more of this from elsewhere!

In this era of the internet and social media, with the bellboy explosion of information dissemination sources, information authenticity has been of increasing concern, which further emphasises the criticality of the sterling service that PREMIUM TIMES is known to deliver. The impact of the spread of rumour and other unfounded information ("faux news") is felt now more than than e'er, due to the proliferation of media devices that deliver this information to the country's remotest corners in a matter of seconds later on publication. In turn, this has led to increasing talk of legislation to enact laws that would stipulate an assortment of penalties for peddlers of "imitation news," even if a lot of grayness areas are nonetheless to be adequately cleared for a consensus to exist achieved.

The PREMIUM TIMES has also enriched me in the area of sustainability and development. This is where I reserve my undiluted praise for the visionary in the CEO (who doubles as founder) and his team of administrators. In an era where many newspapers and online media get through fiscal crisis and an disability to pay staff, PREMIUM TIMES, with its large staffing, has continued to stand shoulder-high in this regard and even serve as model to other media in this crisis. Also, the penchant for giving young undergraduates a platform to exhibit their talent in the field and strop their skills in journalism is zilch brusk of beauteous. Beyond simply giving them the platform, many have proceeded to ride on this platform to go fully paid staff, admitting when proven. Keeping authorities answerable and massively contributing to social evolution, what more could you ask from this noble medium? My findings also reveal its provision of financial support and nationwide grooming to student journalism clubs across the state — calculation benevolence to its abundance of stripes.

Nosotros would agree that, in a society where excellence is not celebrated, mediocrity prevails. This particular state of affairs has been one persistent blight that has haunted Nigeria's progress. Nigeria has a bad track record in identifying and acknowledging those who take made meaningful contributions and sacrifices that have provided it with the relative freedom and advancement it at present enjoys. It is in albeit that such a trend must finish that nosotros must not wait until our heroes are either dead or on their deathbeds earlier nosotros gloat them for the remarkable feats they have displayed. It is in lite of this that I have elected to accept this opportunity to say kudos to PREMIUM TIMES and requite honour to whom honour is due.

Maybe, I am just among the concluding to do so in most its decade of beingness. Over the years since its inception, PREMIUM TIMES has gained recognition in the highest echelons of the profession through its exemplary journalism. In 2013, the medium was nominated for the "Website/Blog of the Twelvemonth Award" at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Award. In 2017, reporters from the outfit shared in the Pulitzer Prize for taking part in the international consortium that investigated the Panama Papers, exposing the abuse and offshore revenue enhancement havens patronised by highly placed thieving elements. In November of the same yr (2017), at the Global Investigative Journalism Network Awards held in Johannesburg, South Africa, PREMIUM TIMES was once again awarded the "Global Shining Calorie-free Award" for its investigative work on the extrajudicial killings in the South-eastern parts of Nigeria. These awards speak to the all-encompassing appreciation the work of this exemplary Nigerian media outfit commands.

This is, therefore, a brusque appreciation note in recognition of the enormous task the Premium Times has taken upward and handled with inspiring professionalism and dogged commitment. It is our fashion of saying we understand what it means to stand as the nation's conscience in an era when it appears to have been sold in substitution for personal riches, vendettas, and aggrandisement. This is also to implore that you lot (PREMIUM TIMES) go along to contribute to the strengthening of our democracy and nationhood by ensuring, equally you ever practice, that transparency and accountability are not mere options in the business of governance.

Toyin Falola is a University Distinguished Education Professor at The University of Texas at Austin.

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Source: https://opinion.premiumtimesng.com/2020/11/11/premium-times-the-nations-conscience-by-toyin-falola/

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